The xenophobic violence and the bloodshed of May 2008 remains a scar which should be carried with shame by every South African and our government. It is concerning that as we mark Africa Month, progressive forces from communities in KwaMashu in KwaZulu Natal are once again uniting in solidarity to counter xenophobia. A structure…
Representatives of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) and Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR) recently travelled to Sweden to meet with retail outlet H&M following their publishing of the racist ‘hoodie’ advert earlier this year. H&M published an advert of an African child wearing a hoodie with the phrase ‘Coolest Monkey in the Jungle’, contrary…
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation welcomes the general tone and content of President Ramaphosa’s maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA). “Earlier this month, the Foundation, as part of the Future South Africa coalition, called on Mr Ramaphosa to ensure that this year’s SONA address restores the ‘dignity and decorum of the House’. We believe…
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation notes the announcement detailing the terms of reference of the state capture commission of inquiry. “We welcome the fact that the terms of reference appear to be largely in keeping with former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s State of Capture report, as well as the High Court judgement that reiterated Madonsela’s…
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation on January 11 wrote to H&M stores requesting a meeting following the publishing of the company’s racist advert. Several days ago, outrage ensued across various media platforms when H&M published photos of an African child wearing a hoodie with the phrase ‘Coolest Monkey in the Jungle’, contrary to the one…
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation expresses its condolences to the family and friends of several anti-apartheid activists who passed on in recent days. “The start of 2018 has brought along with it sad news of the passing of three deeply committed anti-apartheid stalwarts: Thanga Kollapen (mother of High Court Judge Jody Kollapen), Rica Hodgson and…
My dearest Uncle Isu, There isn’t a time that I cannot remember knowing you. You were a constant in my family’s life; as regular as the call we would receive from you every Eid at exactly 7am wishing us well. It was you who helped my mother look after my eldest sibling,…
We would like to inform you that Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Board member and former Robben Island prisoner, Laloo Chiba (87), has passed away just a short while ago. Chiba had a mild heart attack a few days ago and was hospitalised. He was discharged this week and passed away at his home in Lenasia. Chiba…
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation appreciates and honored to be invited to the BNF Panel discussion on international solidarity with the people of Palestine. The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation was formed in 2008 to continue the legacy of anti-apartheid struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada. Ahmed Kathrada, a former Robben Island prisoner, served 26 years in jail alongside…
On the eve of what would have been Ahmed Kathrada’s 88th birthday, Derek Hanekom reflects on Kathrada’s remarkable ability to ‘draw people in’… In Ahmed Kathrada’s Memoirs, Edwin Markham is quoted: “He drew a circle to shut me out – heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But Love and I had the wit to win: we…